"I have no authority to ban alcohol in the state. It is the chief minister who only can take such a decision", Damodar Rout said while replying to a question on the demand for prohibition after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar declared a ban on liquor in his state from April next year.

Damodar Rout, however, advocated steps to curtail spread of liquor across the state. The Utkal Gandhi Smarak Nidhi and the Odisha Madamukti Abhiyan have urged the chief minister for a total prohibition in the state in the lines of Bihar.

The state is currently earning a revenue of Rs 2,100 per annum from sale and manufacture of liquor, officials said.